Posted on 05/14/2012 5:06:54 AM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
After discussing and debating the state’s finances behind closed doors for the past month, the Maryland General Assembly will convene Monday to start debating a revenue package during a special session.
Lawmakers will hold public hearings and consider amendments on a pair of bills meant to supplement the state’s budget largely by raising income taxes. But the details of the bills appear all but set in stone, having been finalized in recent weeks during closed-door negotiations among Democratic leaders who say the bills will likely pass with few or no changes.
House and Senate leaders say they did most of their work beforehand and gauged support within their chambers to ensure the special session will not drag beyond two or three days.
But some critics wonder whether the process has been too streamlined and kept too far from the public.
“It’s all for show,” said Sen. Richard F. Colburn, Dorchester Republican. “They reached their agreements and they are adamant about having a session without controversy.”
Gov. Martin O'Malley and leading Democrats have said it was important to reach a relative consensus before a special session in order to prevent the bickering and drawn-out negotiations that forced the assembly to adjourn its regular session last month without passing two key revenue bills.
They have defended against criticism that the process has been too closed by pointing out that the special session’s revenue package is based largely on the two failed bills from the regular session, which were crafted after public hearings with months of public input and debate by committees and subcommittees.
They also say they want to avoid excessive costs from a special session, which state analysts have estimated could cost taxpayers more than $20,000 a day in staffing, lodging and administrative fees.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
BOHICA.
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
BOHCCA - Bend over here comes California.
BOHCF - Bend over here comes France.
In both cases personal wealth, some times accompanies by businesses, are fleeing higher taxes.
I guess the state legislatures in Maryland figure that the state is safe from any kind of response as long as the Federal Government remains centered in Washington, DC. Don't you remember all of the news articles that reported that the only counties in Virginia, DC’s other neighbor, have expanding economies because that's where the new Federal employees are buying homes, etc?
I hope all Americans are watching us get ripped off here in Maryland.
Martin O’Malley has visions of the Presidency.
lol !!
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